El Pollo Loco puts a spotlight on its high-protein menu items

El Pollo Loco has a new section on its menu that taps into the high protein craze.

A “Protein Packed” web page includes two dozen items with 20 grams of protein or more, according to the Costa Mesa-based chain’s website. The page makes it easy to find the protein content for each item.

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Some of them were already on the main menu, but there are new items as well. Among them is the Street Corn Double Pollo Salad with 52 grams of protein. It features chicken, super greens, avocado, corn, red peppers, cotija cheese, chili lime seasoning and salsa fresca.

A new Mexican Caesar Double Pollo Salad topped with tortilla strips has 52 grams of protein.

There’s also a side of chopped chicken breast in a cup with 23 grams of protein, similar to a new item at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Founded in the United States in 1980, El Pollo Loco is known for its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. Its menu has always included high protein options. In a November interview, chief executive officer Liz Williams described the brand as the OG of protein.

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“While others chase the next protein craze, we’ve been perfecting ours over an open flame for decades,” says its website.

Some items come close to fulfilling the U.S. government’s current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommends 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. A pound is slightly more than 2 kilograms.

The Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl packs 78 grams of protein. And a traditional three-piece chicken meal with tortillas, sides and salsa has as much as 94 grams, the chain’s website says.

Information: elpolloloco.com/proteinmenu